The Local Police of Puente Genil, a town in the Spanish province of Córdoba, has warned of an attempted scam carried out by email in which criminals impersonate Spain's National Police and other official bodies. According to elDiario.es, the alert came after a local resident reported a message that claimed to come from the National Police, Spain's National Cybersecurity Institute (Incibe) and Interpol.
An official-looking letter. The email is headed with the name of the director general of Spain's National Police, Francisco Pardo Piqueras, and carries logos and signatures of other organisations. The aim is clear: to look as authoritative as possible so the recipient does not stop to question it.
A shocking accusation. The message claims that the national police authority, working with a national cybersecurity centre, Interpol and Europol, has issued a supposed court order because the recipient's IP address has been linked to viewing, distributing, sharing or producing material showing the exploitation of minors.
Pressure against the clock. According to the Local Police, the email attributes serious alleged crimes to the recipient and threatens legal consequences if they do not respond within 48 hours. The force confirms that it is an attempt at fraud.
Why it matters
Fear as a weapon. This kind of scam combines two powerful tactics: impersonating trusted authorities and triggering panic with an accusation that is both serious and embarrassing. A tight deadline adds urgency, making it more likely that someone replies, clicks a link or hands over information before thinking it through. Real police forces do not open criminal proceedings by sending threatening emails that demand a quick reply.
What police recommend. The Local Police of Puente Genil has issued advice to the public to avoid falling for these messages:
- Do not reply to the email.
- Do not open any links or attachments.
- Do not provide personal or banking details.
- Do not make any payment.
- Report the message to the police and to Incibe through its 017 helpline.
Report it. Besides informing the police, residents are asked to notify Incibe by calling 017, Spain's cybersecurity helpline, so that the authorities can track these campaigns and warn others.
Source: elDiario.es
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